"You want to give me a reference?" Jacob asks, the absurdity of it actually very amusing. And then he catches himself, brain getting into gear. Of course back home the owners of brothels and madams are very much involved in crime. They pay their dues to one gang or another, do favours and whatnot.

Having Wen Kexing vouch for him might be a very good idea.

"If you're willing to do so... then I graciously accept. And the spoils will of course be shared."

They were going to be anyway.

He will probably still have to drink the disgusting brew they make up for new recruits but it's a small price to pay if he can get his hands on the list of names.